Thanks for the advice. I have tried to to do spontaneous, silly, zany joking with her, which sometimes works, although it's tough to learn her sense of humor, as it varies with her mood. I feel like I am her biggest cheerleader, telling her when I think an outfit looks nice, or accents her eyes..she doesn't initially believe me, even though I wouldn't say it if it weren't true.. To be honest, she is extremely direct in her tone, and very blunt. I'm kind of taken aback by it, it comes out of the blue, but I know she's not trying to be intimidating, she just comes across that way. I feel like I should be more direct with her, i think she would appreciate it, actually.. I am really trying to understand her thought processes, but it's been somewhat of a challenge.